Advent inspiration: Starnes Class

The Starnes Class is a beloved Sunday School class at Hayes Barton that meets weekly. Teachers and leaders engage with students and music is a part of every class. Our Starnes friends are all adults whose families may be members--or not. Our own Doug Gill often transports members of the class from group homes to church in time for early service and LightHouse. Hearty singing is often heard from the Starnes Class room at 10am, and many Starnes friends attend the 11:00 service in addition to an earlier one. These are dedicated church members!

David prays the loudest during the Lord's Prayer. Mary Jane greets all from her seat in the lobby. Trey gives hugs and handshakes as he walks in with his parents and sister. Gerald knows what choirs and soloists are singing in every service. Andrea recognizes a lot of members from her job at Harris Teeter (she remember what they bought, also!). The teachers are dedicated and loving: Jerry plays piano, including seasonal favorites for the Christmas sing-a-long last week. Mary Penn and Mary June not only teach but share their pew with Starnes friends. These are treasured interactions at Hayes Barton. Our church would not be our church without these Sunday rituals: missing out on a huge wave and smile from Jimmy would make worship incomplete for many members. This Advent, reach out to a Starnes class friend. Or tell one of the teachers thank you for continuing this ministry. Not all of our members have the same abilities or intellects, but we have the same desire to be in our house of worship and the same heart for God. We all welcome the Christ child this Sunday, together, unifying our voices in proclaiming our joy to the world.